Emergency Declaration For NJ Areas Damaged By Storm

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Thousands of New Jersey residents affected; various counties to receive state aid

November 16, 2009 -- NEW JERSEY – Today, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2) praised Governor Jon Corzine’s swift action in issuing an emergency declaration for the areas hit by last week's Nor'easter.

The Jersey Shore was hit hard, causing beach erosion, destroying beach replenishment projects, flooding homes and businesses and displacing huge mounds of sand that blanketed inland side streets, sidewalks and driveways.

“It was evident during my visit to Cape May and Atlantic Counties on Friday that the storm would cause extensive damage along the Jersey Shore," said Senator Menendez. "Families and businesses are struggling with property damage, and any significant setback to the Shore hurts our state's economy and jobs market. I applaud Governor Corzine for taking quick action. This declaration will allow municipalities to take action sooner and make their communities whole again for residents and businesses. Federal funding in the amount of $17.6 million for beach nourishment and protection had already been secured for many of the affected areas, and that will help prevent storm damage in the long term. The effects of the storm are a setback, but state funding will help in the restoration of these areas so that beach replenishment and construction projects can continue to protect area residents and the tourism industry.”

"The damage done to New Jersey by this storm was devastating. Families and businesses in the affected areas need help rebuilding their communities. The Governor's declaration is an important first step to giving the communities hit by this storm the tools they need to recover," said Sen. Lautenberg.

“I appreciate Governor Corzine’s quick response that will enable local, state and federal resources to be immediately available for rebuilding efforts in South Jersey shore communities,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). “The recent storm has taken a significant toll on residents, property and small businesses in my district, causing millions of dollars in destruction, lost revenues and wages. For local communities and the state’s tourism-based economy, it is critical we rebuild what was lost and strengthen the existing shore protection projects to minimize damage from future storms.”

Thousands of New Jersey residents that live close to the shore as well as area businesses are regularly threatened by storms that can flood homes and damage businesses. Tourism to the Jersey Shore generates roughly 450,000 jobs and accounts for almost 11 percent of the state’s total employment.

Source: Senators Robert Menendez